Bessy Bell and Mary Gray (1816-1820)/Broom o' Cowdenknowes

BROOM OF COWDENKNOWES.

How blythe was I ilk morn to see
My swain come o'er the hill!
He leap'd the burn, and flew to me,
I met him wi' good will.

O, the broom, the bonnie bonnie broom,
The broom of the Cowdenknowes.
I wish I were wi' my dear swain,
Wi' his pipe and my ewes.

I neither wanted ewe nor lamb,
While his flocks near me lay;
He gather'd in my sheep at night.
And cheer'd me a' the day.

O, the broom, &c.

He tun'd his pipe and reed so sweet,
The birds stood list'ning by;
Ev'n the dull cattle stood and gaz'd,
Charm'd wi' his melody.
O, the broom, &c.

While thus we spent our time, by turns,
Betwixt the flocks and play,
I envied not the fairest dame.
Though e'er so rich and gay.
O, the broom, &c.

Hard fate! that I should banish'd be,
Gang heavily, and mourn,
Because I lov'd the kindest swain
That ever yet was born.
O, the broom, &c.

He did oblige me ev'ry hour;
Could I but faithful be?
He staw my heart; could I refuse
Whate'er he ask'd of me?
O, the broom, &c.

My doggie, and my little kit.
That held my wee soup whey,
My plaidie, broach, and crooked stick
Maun now lie useless by.
O, the broom, &c.

Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes, adieu!
Fareweel a'pleasures there!
Ye gods, restore me to my swain,
Its a' I crave or care.
O, the broom, &c.

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